Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, is situated on the banks of the mighty river Indus, just 8 km above its confluence with the river Shigar. Around it are high peaks, deep gorges and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on the planet.

During the summer, Skardu attracts a large number...

Skardu, the capital of Baltistan, is situated on the banks of the mighty river Indus, just 8 km above its confluence with the river Shigar. Around it are high peaks, deep gorges and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on the planet.

During the summer, Skardu attracts a large number of trekkers and mountaineers from all parts of the world. In fact, the entire region is known as mountaineers' paradise. Nowhere in the world does one find such a large collection of lofty peaks, including K-2 the world's second highest peak, and huge glaciers like Baltoro, Biafo and Siachen, some of the largest in the world outside the Polar region, as in this 16,283 square km (10,118 square miles) of wonderland.

There are five main valleys in the district Baltistan, Shigar, Khaplu, Rondu, Skardu and Kharmang. All of them produce apricots, peaches, pears and apples in such profusion that this region is known as the land of apricots and apples.

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